Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

In a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere, Ma Chao and his companions set off towards the Shanyue. The warm sun shone, the gentle breeze blew, and the scenery along the way was picturesque, but their minds had already drifted to the distant Shanyue.

Shanyue, this mysterious and ancient land, had quietly undergone a transformation since its victory in that fierce battle. For a long time, the Shanyue people had lived deep in the mountains, with little contact with the outside world. Though their lives were simple, they struggled to survive in the barren mountains. Now, Shamoke had assisted Ma Chao and Sun Ce in conquering Wujun. In return, Ma Chao and his men had promised the Shanyue a county where they could live and thrive. This news, like thunder in spring, sent shockwaves through the Shanyue.

Although the Shanyue people deeply cherished the mountains and forests where they had lived for countless years, reluctant to leave their homeland and long accustomed to the mountainous lifestyle, the new opportunities also gave them hope for the future. As a result, they began making preparations and began to work on the relocation process. However, mobilizing everyone to leave their familiar homes was no easy task. Despite their turmoil and reluctance, the Shanyue people diligently adjusted themselves for a better life.

Upon arriving at the Shanyue camp, Ma Chao and his companions were greeted by a warm atmosphere. Shanyue men, women, and children flocked to them, faces beaming with genuine smiles, eyes filled with admiration and affection. The Shanyue had contributed greatly to this expedition, with many brave mountain dwellers and their descendants fighting bravely on the battlefield, some even sacrificing their lives. However, it was the arrival of Ma Chao and his companions that truly changed the Shanyue's long-standing plight, which had been confined to the barren mountains and forests.

Furthermore, every member of Ma Chao's party married a Shanyue woman. This act of marriage made the Shanyue people sincerely accept them as their own. In the eyes of the Shanyue, Ma Chao and his companions were no longer foreign guests, but family members connected by blood and sharing weal and woe. They enthusiastically surrounded Ma Chao and his companions, and cheers echoed throughout the camp. The scene was heartwarming and touching.

When Shamoke heard that Ma Chao was coming, he was overjoyed and excited. He knew that Ma Chao's arrival was of great significance to the future development of the Shanyue people, so he rushed to spread the news and quickly summoned the leaders of the various tribes and those respected elders of the Qi people.

Filled with enthusiasm, the crowd hurried to the front of the camp, eagerly awaiting their arrival. The sunlight bathed them, illuminating faces brimming with anticipation. From afar, Shamoke, with his sharp eyes, spotted Ma Chao's figure, his tall stature striking in the sunlight. Unable to contain his joy, Shamoke strode forward, a beaming smile on his face, and cordially exclaimed, "Brother-in-law, you've finally arrived!" He extended his broad, strong hand and shook Ma Chao's tightly, his eyes filled with sincerity and welcome.

Ma Chao had barely stepped into the camp, barely taking in his surroundings when Shamoke eagerly approached, his face beaming with excitement. "Brother-in-law, you've arrived just in time. I just got two pieces of fantastic news!" Ma Chao raised his eyebrows slightly, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. He smiled and replied, "Oh? What's the good news? Tell me quickly, brother."

Shamoko cleared his throat and said excitedly, "You know, we Shanyue people have lived in these mountains and forests for generations. We have a deep affection for this land and it's hard for us to leave. But this time, the elders of our tribe understand the greater good and know that moving to the county is for the better development of our entire tribe. So, without hesitation, they are willing to fully cooperate with this major relocation!"

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao felt relieved. A gratified smile appeared on his face, and he said, "The elders are so far-sighted. This is truly a blessing for Shanyue!"

Before Ma Chao could finish his words, Shamoke continued, "And now everyone is eagerly looking forward to starting a new life!"

Ma Chao nodded, and without further suspense, he laid out the full outcome of his discussions with Sun Ce. With a serious expression and a firm tone, he said, "I've already finalized the agreement with Bofu. From now on, Wujun will serve as the boundary. The territory previously occupied by Xu Gong will be open to our Shanyue brothers for settlement."

As soon as these words were spoken, the camp erupted in excitement. The leaders of each tribe were stunned for a moment, then expressions of surprise crossed their faces. Hushed exclamations and enthusiastic discussions echoed. "Really? Now we have a great place to go!" "Yes, there's hope for the future!" Everyone chatted, their eyes filled with longing for a new life ahead.

However, Ma Chao knew that relocation was only the first step; how to achieve integration and development in the new environment would ultimately determine the survival of the Shanyue people. He then calmed himself down, his expression becoming more serious as he detailed the many details of his future settlement.

He glanced at everyone present and spoke earnestly, "Brothers, if you want to establish yourself long-term in a new place and grow stronger, intermarriage with people from other ethnic groups is a crucial measure. Through intermarriage, different cultures can exchange and collide with each other, sparking new vitality, creating a broader space for development for our Shanyue people, and allowing our ethnic group to continue to multiply and grow."

After hearing this, Shamoke was overjoyed, feeling that every word Ma Chao said made perfect sense. He knew this was not only for the current development of the Shanyue people, but also for paving a bright future for future generations. He excitedly shook Ma Chao's hand, saying, "Brother-in-law, your words really hit the nail on the head! We'll do as you say!"

For a moment, everyone in the village gathered around, each engaged in a lively conversation with Ma Chao. The leaders, their minds brimming with activity, enthusiastically asked questions about the specific implementation methods for intermarriage, the construction plans for their new homeland, and how to achieve harmonious coexistence with the local people. Each question shaped the future of the Shanyue people. Ma Chao patiently answered each question in detail, offering professional and practical advice. The elders listened quietly, nodding occasionally, smiles of satisfaction on their faces, and full of anticipation for the new life ahead. The entire camp was filled with a warm and hopeful atmosphere, as if a bright future was no longer distant, but within reach.

Shamoke wore a brilliant smile as he approached Ma Chao mysteriously, his eyes filled with unconcealed joy and excitement. He lowered his voice, unable to conceal his excitement, and said, "Brother-in-law, I have something incredibly exciting to tell you!" Ma Chao, who had been listening intently to the previous discussion, was drawn in by these words. A flicker of curiosity flashed in his eyes, and he subconsciously leaned forward slightly, asking, "Brother, what else could make you so happy?"

Shamoke couldn't help laughing out loud, patted Ma Chao on the shoulder and said loudly: "Your wife, my sister Sally, is pregnant!" Ma Chao froze for a moment when he heard this, and then a huge surprise surged in his heart, his eyes turned slightly red, his lips trembled, and he couldn't speak for a while.

Before Ma Chao could recover from his immense joy, Shamoke beamed with joy as he continued, "It's not just Sariel. Most of the women who married Gan Ning, Pan Feng, Wu Anguo, and their personal guards are already pregnant. Only two or three haven't conceived yet." This news was like a bombshell, instantly exploding through the crowd. The men, once stoic and resolute, now had a touch of tenderness and joy on their faces, their eyes filled with anticipation for the next life.

Ma Chao's thoughts had already drifted away, and Sally's face involuntarily appeared in his mind. Imagining her carrying a new life, his heart was filled with emotion, and he wished he could fly to her side immediately and stay by her side.

Everyone had been excitedly discussing the relocation and future development, but as soon as the news broke, everyone's interest in the banquet quickly faded. They were all anxious, anxious to see their wives as soon as possible. Their minds were filled with the image of their wives, who might be waiting for them with great anticipation, or perhaps carefully nurturing the little life in their bellies.

Upon hearing this news, the two or three personal guards' faces paled and then flushed. They gritted their teeth, their hearts filled with resentment. They vowed in their hearts that no matter what, this time, their wives would have a child. Seeing their brothers about to have children, how could they be willing to fall behind? They clenched their fists, their eyes revealing a firm determination, as if, at this moment, all their strength was focused on getting their wives pregnant.

Ma Chao, anxious and utterly dazed, hurried towards Sally's residence. Along the way, his mind replayed every moment he'd shared with Sally; those tender, sweet moments were magnified infinitely. His heart felt as if gripped by an invisible hand, and he desperately wanted to see the woman he loved so deeply, to confirm with his own eyes that she and her child were safe.

Finally, he stood in front of that familiar door, took a deep breath, and slowly pushed it open. Inside, Sally sat by the window. Sunlight streamed through, illuminating her slightly swollen belly. Her entire body seemed shrouded in a soft glow. Hearing the noise, she slowly raised her head. The moment her gaze met Ma Chao's, tears welled up in her eyes, but she couldn't help but curl her lips into a gentle smile.

Ma Chao's eyes welled up as he took a few steps forward and gently embraced Sally, his movements so gentle that it seemed as if he was afraid to hurt her or the baby in her belly. His voice trembled slightly as he whispered in Sally's ear, "Thank you for your hard work, my dear wife." Sally leaned into his arms, shook her head slightly, and choked back tears as she said, "It's not hard. As long as I can be with you and as long as the child is safe, everything is worth it." The two of them embraced for a long time, as if the whole world only contained each other and the little life in her belly, a warm and sweet feeling.

After a long moment, Ma Chao slowly let go of Sally and helped her sit down on the bed. He then squatted in front of her and carefully placed his hand on her abdomen, feeling for the faint yet hopeful sign of life. His eyes were filled with tenderness and anticipation as he whispered, "When the baby is born, I will stay with you and take you to see all the beautiful sights in the world." Sally smiled and nodded, her eyes filled with longing for the future.

That night, the entire Shanyue camp was filled with warmth and peace. In the bridal chambers of the unconceived guards, the creaking sound of the beds continued almost until the second half of the night.